Operating magnet structure for rotary electric switches



June 26, 1956 H. E. SCHLEICHER 2,752,540

OPERATING MAGNET STRUCTURE FOR ROTARY ELECTRIC SWITCHES Filed May 15, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet l fi'ClTCZOIT- Q9 HarozdE crdea-Jw June 26, 1956 H. E. SCHLEICHER OPERATING MAGNET STRUCTURE FOR ROTARY ELECTRIC SWITCHES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 15, 1953 rt 6 M M H June 26, 1956 H. E. SCHLEICHER 2,752,540

OPERATING MAGNET STRUCTURE FOR ROTARY ELECTRIC SWITCHES Filed May 15, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 H IH M... W

Inaztfor- Hamid E .J'cfclcc'cTcer June 26, 1956 sc cH 2,752,540

OPERATING MAGNET STRUCTURE FOR ROTARY ELECTRIC SWITCHES Filed May 15, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

Ham/d5 SCh/e/C/Ier BY h/s al/omeys United States Patent O OPERATING MAGNET STRUCTURE FOR ROTARY ELECTRIC SWITCHES Harold E. Schleicher, West Hartford, Conn., assignor to The Arrow-Hart & Hegeman Electric Company, Hartford, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application May 15, 1953, Serial No. 355,311 17 Claims, (Cl. 317-190) This invention relates to operating means for electromagnetically-operated rotary switches. More particularly it relates to operating means useful in connection with rotary switches of the type illustrated and described in my Patent No. 2,540,294, issued February 6, 1951. The present invention may be considered as an improvement upon the electromagnet structure of said patent and is particularly designed to be useful in place of the electromagnet of that patent and in other similar cations for equivalent use or for any use where a sturdy and reliable high torque electromagnetic operating means is required to rotate a shaft.

Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide electromagnetically-operated means for switches, particularly rotary switches of the heavy-duty type wherever making and breaking of circuits carrying high amperage is necessary or the operation of heavy switch parts in high frictional engagement is required.

Another object of the invention is to provide an operating mechanism for rotary switches in which the component parts of a magnet structure are balanced so as not to cause even momentary displacement of the position of elements when a sudden and severe shock or blow occurs.

Another object of this invention is to provide electromagnetic structures, usable within pro-existing physical and space limitations, which are operable either clockwise or counterclockwise from an intermediate or central position, as desired.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electromagnet operating structure for switches of the afore mentioned type which may be used within existing space requirements and limitations and may be substituted for switches which have previously been manufactured in accordance with the principles of my prior patent.

Another object of the invention is to provide electromagnet switch structure for switches of the foregoing type and others in which a reciprocating bar-type armature is used and in which the magnetic field losses are less and which therefore may be operated at less power than heretofore but with equal or improved reliability.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electromagnet switch structure of the foregoing type which will be sturdy and reliable in operation under all the conditions which may be encountered and which will stand up under the vigorous use aboard ship under wartime conditions. 1

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the invention is described in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view partly in section and partly broken away of the magnet structure comprising this invention with one of the base parts removed;

Fig. 2 is a transverse section view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section view taken along line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one of the electromagnets used in the invention;

Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view of one-half of the armature guide structure;

Fig. 6 is a detail perspective view of one of the springbiased elements used in the invention;

Fig. 7 is a detail perspective View of one of the bar armatures and its connection to the magnet shaft;

Fig. 8 is a plan view similar to Fig. 1 of another modification of the invention.

Fig. 9 is an elevational section view illustrating one set of line contacts;

Fig. 10 is a section view of the spring biasing structure associated with the main shaft taken along line 1010 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 11 is an elevational detailed view of the spring biasing structure.

in order that the invention may be used in connection with constructions similar to my prior patent the invention is shown and described as a section of a switch which could be added to various other sections containing contacts and other devices used in connection with the rotary magnetic switch operation. For that purpose parallel rods 16 are provided and pass through passages in the insulating base members 10 and 12 hereinafter described and also through a cover plate 17 which may be of metal or other material. A similar bottom plate 32 of metal shown only in part in Figures 10 and 11 is also provided.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, a two-position electromagnet structure is mounted upon a base of molded insulating material having an outline as in Fig. l or other suitable shape. The base is composed of top and bottom sections 12 and 10 which are identical, preferably for molding economy, and are adapted to fit together face to face. Each half is hollowed out and recessed in various places to different depths to house between the two sections the fixed and movable magnet parts. In the form of Figs. 13 there are two electromagnets designated generally by the numerals 2i and 3%, each having a laminated sheet metal core such as 22, of B-shape with a lateral extension such as 22a. They are located in diametrically opposite positions around the shaft 49 which passes transversely through the insulating base. Within each core is a solenoid coil (24 and 34) with its axis parallel and diametrically opposite. Hollow, rounded insulating spacers as 25 may be provided to maintain the coils in place if necessary. Solenoid coils re provided with pigtail leads, for example 24a. In order that they may be led through the casing, the casing halves are molded with mutually cooperating channels 10c into which the leads fit and pass through the casing. Within each coil and passing through the open side of the C-core are laminated sheet metal bar armatures (26 and 36) which are adapted to move in and out of the coils 24 and 34 as they are energized and deenergized. The retractive movement upon deenergization is accomplished by spring-biasing means. The springbiasing means may be conventional and constantly urges the parts into the position illustrated in Fig. 1. Such biasing means acts on and through the agency of the operating shaft 49 and is described and illustrated in my above-mentioned Patent No. 2,540,294.

To return the shaft 49 to the position normally occupied when the electromagnet is deenergized (as in Fig. l) a flat coil spring 42 is placed around the end of the shaft near the bottom plate 32 between a spring-tension and stop member 44 and an anchor member 45. The stop and spring tensioning member is a small sheet metal stamping of irregular shape with a square aperture for the square main shaft 49 and spaced laterally-bent radiallyextending stop lugs 44a which are adapted to butt against a circular stud or pin 46 extending from the bottom plate 32 as the shaft 49 oscillates. On the opposite side of the member at its periphery is a spring tensiom'ng lug 44c bent normal to the member and embraced by the ends of the coil spring 42. Also embraced by these coil spring ends is a similar lug 45c on the stationary anchor member 4-5. The anchor member 45 is a small sheet metal discshaped stamping fixedly secured within a countersunk recess within the bottom plate 32.

in order to guide the movement of the armatures 26, 35 through their solenoid coils, upper and lower nonmagnetic channel-shaped guide members 27 and are provided. Preferably these guide members are of identical form and mounted above and below the bar-shaped llfilatlltO. In order to secure the armature guides in place, extensions such as 27a may be provided at one end of each of the members in position to extend through an opening in the core or field-piece. Fins 2.9 may be provided to extend through openings in the extensions 27s, 2 52. On the opposite ends of the channel members wing lugs 27W, 23W are turned outwardly from the upper cages of the parallel sides of the guide members in position to lie at the top and bottom surfaces respectively of the oppo .e sides of the opening in the C-shaped fieldpiece 22. The armature guides are thus held from moving towards each other by the wings 27w, 28w pressing upon the fieldpiece and from moving away from each other by the inside of the coil 24 pressing upon the outside surfaces of the guide members.

in order to further provide against movement of the extending ends 27c, 23e of the armature guides, a rectangular apertured nonmagnetic member, such as 23, is provided and located between the coil and the field-piece permitting extensions 27c, 23c to extend therethrough. The outside surfaces of the extensions abut against the top and bottom inside surfaces of the holding member 23 and are thus held. The guide members are held from moving iongitudinally by the pins 29. Each of the armatures 26, 36 is provided with a transverse pin 26p, 36p extending therethrough and beyond the surfaces thereof position to engage with actuating links designated generby 49 and 4t) respectively above and below the armatotes. he iinks may conveniently be stamped from sheet metal with circular central sections punched with a square a; rture to receive a square-sectioned portion of the operating shaft 4-9 and having diametrically oppositely extending arms 41, 42 each of which is provided with an elongated circular aperture 43, 44 respectively into which the pins 26p and 36p are received. In normal deenergized position of the magnet, the pins 26p, 36p will be located at the inner ends of the slots 43 and 44 but as the armaturcs are energized, the pins will move toward the outer ends of the slots and at the same time cause rotation of the actuating links and consequent rotation of the shaft 6?. To provide spacing of the upper and lower actuating links from one another, a spacing sleeve 45 of molded insulation or other suitable material is mounted upon the shaft between the links. The provision of links it above and below equalizes the actuating forces acting between the armature and shaft 49.

in order to provide additional spring tension or bias tending to move the armatures and frictionally engaged contacts from attracted position, which will come into play as the armature nears its fully-attracted position and which, therefore will not require additional starting torque to be exerted by the coils, a pivoted U'shaped stamped sheet metal member designated generally by numerals 5c, 5?? is provided for cooperation with each of the pins 35p of the armatures 26, 36 as they approach the ultimate of their travel when energized. The form of these U-sl1a members maybest be seen by reference to Fig. 6. Each comprises identical parallel side arms, such as 51 and 52, which are joined at their mid-portions by a transverse or cross-arm 53. These members $9, 5% are positioned so that their arms lie above and below the armature in position for one end of the arms to be engaged by the armature pin 26p or 36p respectively. The members 50, 50' are pivotally mounted upon pins 54, 54' respectively which in turn are mounted in one half (l0) of the insulating base and are parallel to one another and on the outer sides of the armatures, that is, between the edge of the armature and the outside surface of the base.

To bias the members 50, 5t) into the position shown in Fig. l, coiled tension springs 55, 56 are provided respectively, one end being anchored in an aperture in the c ms 53 and 53', while the other end is anchored respectively around fixed pins 58 and 58 secured in the base. The base halves may be suitably hollowed out at selected places to receive the springs as well as the other parts just described.

y mounting the electromagnet coils and armature tures on opposite sides of the operating shaft and tag the armature pins to act in diametrically opposite ositions on the actuating base, the structure is balanced 0 that it will resist sudden and severe external shocks. When any sudden shocks are received in the direction of motion of the armatures, the effect thereof on the armai and associated movable parts will be counteranced, because as one armature tends to move in one direction, the other armature exerts a counterforce upon the actuating links and operating shaft in the opposite direction thereby neutralizing the forces. If a shock is received in the direction transverse to the motion of the armatures at any angle thereto less than the components of force acting upon the actuating links will neutra aone another. A force at exactly 90 would be a theoretical condition but in that event there would be no tendency to rotate the shaft.

It will be observed that the armatures have an initial short portion of travel toward attracted position free from engagement with the spring-biased members 50, 50. After this initial period of free travel, the engagement of the armatures with the members 50, 50' commences. In that way, the spring-biased pivoted members 50, 50 will provide additional spring force as the armatures near fuliy-attracted position and will provide a positive biasing force is deenergizing direction tending to move the armatures in that direction upon deenergization of the solenoids.

On some occasions it may be desirable to provide for moving the shaft in both clockwise and counterclockwise direction under electromagnetic action. To provide a mechanism to satisfy those conditions, the modification illustrated in Fig. 8 is provided. In that form of the invention similar parts to those in the previously described form arerepresented by similar reference numerals above corresponding to the same numerals below 100 in the other form. In this instance, however, a single armature 169 is provided which is longer than the armature in the previous form so the shaft could be operated both in clockwise and counterclockwise direction electromagnetically. Also, it would be normally held in a neutral or intermediate position and one or another of the kick-off members 150, would act regardless in which direction the armature was attracted. Also, the coils may, if so desired, be mounted in one insulating block. In such a structure, the magnets would be fully balanced and would be suitable for operation where sudden shocks are anticipated and opening of the switch contacts is to be avoided. A momentary opening of the switch contact is to be avoided under such conditions. It will be noticed additionally that the coils may be interchangeable and that the field-pieces also may be changed not only between two forms of the invention shown but from one position to the other in any given form.

To provide a mechanism which will move the shaft both clockwise and counterclockwise, using only two coils but using separate armatures, it is also possible to arrange the base structure of Fig. l for coils 34 and 24 and associated parts both to lie either. on the right or on the left of the shaft. In that event the coils will be energized alternatively for clockwise or counterclockwise rotation.

In Fig. 8 and other forms wherein the operating shaft 49 must be able to turn in clockwise and counterclockwise directions it will be spring-biased into a neutral or midposition from which it can be rotated in either direction.

The electromagnet structure just described is particularly adapted for use in operating contacts of rotary switches such as described and illustrated in my Patent No. 2,540,294; but the present invention is not limited to that particular use. As may be seen in Fig. 9 the fixed contact members comprise stamped sheet metal pieces 100 of irregular shape mounted upon an insulating plate 102 by means of screw bolts. A portion 100a of the members 1% extends radially inward into a circular recess within which recess the movable contact member 104 on shaft 49 may oscillate. On the edge of the inwardly extending portions of the members 100 are rectangular contact blocks Mite engaged and disengaged by similar contact blocks lib is on the arms 10412 of the movable contact.

The kick-oh members 150 and 160 in this instance are both mounted on similar individual pivot pins 154, 154 on the same side of the armature between the outer edge of the armature and the side surface of the base. The pins 254, 154' are fixed and spaced from one another in parallel relation. Between the two brackets is stretched a coiled tension spring 156, one end of which is anchored to the transverse portion of the bracket 150 while the other end is anchored to the transverse portion of the bracket 15%. In this form, as in the previously described form also, the transverse portions 53 of the U- shaped brackets abut against the edges of the base recesses in which they are located and are stopped by such abutment in the position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 8.

in all cases the armatures will preferably abut against and come to a sealing solid stop against the field-piece in fully attracted position.

It will be obvious by referring to Figs. 1 and 8 and comparing their arrangement that it would be possible to utilize the double-acting magnet coil arrangement of Fig. 8 in duplicate, on the opposite side of the shaft, in which case diametrically opposite coils would act together so that connection with the constructions similar to my prior patent, the invention is shown and described as a section of a switch which could be added to various other sections containing contacts and other devices used in connection with the rotary magnetic switch operation. For that purpose, the rods 16 are provided and pass through passages in the insulating base members and 12 and also through a cover member 17 which may be of metal or other material. A similar bottom plate (not shown) of metal is also provided.

Many modifications within the scope of the invention will appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, I do not limit it to the particular form and embodiments described and illustrated.

What is claimed is:

1. Electromagnetic operating means comprising an insulating base, a rotary operating shaft passing through said base for moving switch contacts, an actuating link turnable with said shaft, an armature actuating said link, a field-piece, a solenoid coil within said field-piece into which said armature enters when said coil is energized, means pressing said shaft and armature into unattracted position, and spring-biased means outside said coil engageable by said armature prior to reaching full-attracted position to provide an initial force on said armature to- Ward unattracted position in addition to the force of said shaft-pressing means, said spring-biased means being unengaged by the armature in unattracted position and during the first portion of its movement toward attracted position.

2. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 1 wherein the shaft is of non-circular cross-section at least at the mounting place of said actuating link, and said link being loosely mounted on but turnable with said shaft.

3. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 1 having projecting means carried by said armature and engaging with said actuating link, said projecting means engaging also said spring-biased means on nearing the end of travel of said armature to fully-attracted position.

4. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 1 in which the field-piece is of C-shape and the armature is a laminated straight bar sliding in the opening between the arms thereof.

5. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 1 in which there is a pin and slot connection between the armature and actuating link.

6. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 1 in which the base comprises cooperating similar recessed halves which enclose the electromagnetic and moving parts.

7. Electromagnetic operating means comprising an insulating base, a rotary operating shaft passing through said base for moving switch contacts, an actuating link turnable with said shaft, an armature actuating said link, a field-piece, a solenoid coil within said field-piece into which said armature enters when said coil is energized, means pressing said shaft and armature into unattracted position, and spring-biased means pivotally mounted outside the coil and straddling the armature and engaged by the armature on both sides for equalizing the force thereon, said engagement of the armature and straddling means commencing prior to reaching fully-attracted position but after an initial portion of free movement of the armature, said spring-biased means providing an initial force on said armature toward unattracted position in addition to the force of said shaft-pressing means.

8. Electromagnetic operating means comprising an insulating base, a rotary operating shaft passing through said base for moving switch contacts, means pressing said shaft into an unattracted position, an actuating link loosely mounted on said shaft and extending in diametrically opposite directions from said shaft but being turnable therewith, and dual electromagnet structures comprising an armature actuating said link, a field-piece, a solenoid coil Within said field-piece into which said armature enters when said coil is energized, and springbiased means outside said coil engageable by said armature prior to reaching fully-attracted position but after an initial portion of free movement of the armature, said spring-biased means providing an initial force on said armatures toward unattracted position in addition to the force of said shaft-pressing means.

9. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 8 wherein the dual structures are diametrically opposite and act on the shaft in the same direction whereby the forces are balanced to overcome sudden external shocks.

10. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 8 wherein the supplemental armature-biasing means is pivotally mounted on the field-piece and straddles the armature engaging it on both sides for equalizing the biasing forces thereon.

ll. Electromagnetic operating means comprising an insulating base, a rotary operating shaft passing through said base for moving switch contacts, means pressing said shaft into an unattracted position, an actuating link loosely mounted on said shaft but turnable therewith and dual electromagnet structures comprising an armature actuating said link, a field-piece, a solenoid coil within said field-piece into which said armature enters when said coil is energized, and spring-biased means outside said coil engageable by said armature prior to reaching fullyattracted position but after an initial portion of free movement of the armature, said spring-biased means providing an initial force on said armature toward unattracted position in addition to the force of said shaft-pressing means.

12. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 11 in which the armatures of the dual structures '7 are integral and attracted in opposite directions on energization of the separate coils.

13. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 1, in which projecting means is carried by said armature and engages with said actuating link, said projecting means engaging also said spring-biased means on nearing the end of travel of said armature to fully-attracted position, said armature biasing means straddling the armature and engaging on both sides of the armature for equalizing the biasing force.

14. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 1, in which projecting means is carried by said armature and engages with said actuating link and said projecting means engages also said spring-biased means on nearing the end of travel of said armature to fullyattracted position, and in which the armature biasing means straddles the armature and is engaged on both sides of the armature for equalizing the biasing force, and in which there is a pin and slot connection between the armature and actuating link.

15. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 1, in which the field piece is of C-shape and the armature is a laminated straight bar sliding in the opening between the arms thereof, and in which there is a pin and slot connection between the armature and actuating link.

16. Electromagnetic operating means as claimed in claim 1, in which the field-piece is of C-shape and the armature is a laminated straight bar sliding in the opening between the arms thereof and in which there is a pin and slot connection between the armature and actuating '5 link, andin which the base comprises cooperating similar'recessed halves which enclose the electromagnetic and moving parts.

'17. An insulating base, a rotary shaft passing through said base, means biasing said shaft into a neutral position, a pair of actuating links turnable with said shaft, an armature actuating said links, a pair of field pieces and solenoid coils into which said armature may enter as one orthe other of said coils is energized, said field pieces being affixed to said base equal distances oppositely, means centrally positioned on said armature and engaging said actuating links, a pair of fingers on said field pieces, biasing means connected to said fingers and urging them outwardly from the solenoid entrances, said fingers engaging with said armature at limited fixed distances prior to the armature reaching fully attracted positions with respect to either field piece and providing an initial force on said armature toward unattracted position in addition to the force of said shaft-biasing means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 336,176 Tregoning Feb. 16, 1886 1,002,820 Brown Sept. 12, 1911 2,458,123 Wasserlein Jan. 4, 1949 2,528,734 Brass Nov. 7, 1951 2,540,294 Schleicher Feb. 6, 1951 2,563,271 Price Aug. 7, 1951 2,563,495 Schleicher Aug. 7, 1951 

